Currently IFR aircraft entering Australian Class D airport airspace are kept separated from all other aircraft because in many ways that is easier to do than giving traffic on VFR's. It enables the controller to keep better control of the arrival sequence.
Mr Approach,
Therein lies the problem with "Australian D", it is not D at all, effectively non-radar C, almost B. Very convenient for controllers, the all too common answer to a VFR request for clearance: "Clearance not available, remain clear of controlled airspace".
In my long experience, IFR traffic is very often given absolute priority, when IFR is clear, then VFR gets a go. Quite unnecessary, and very frustrating and expensive for VFR traffic.
Clinton,
Back to the future, indeed. When "Westmead" was wiped and the "lane" was changed. to solve a problem most of us at YSBK said did not exist, that's when we were reduced to two inbound points.
As you well know, seldom is the chance missed to "do something" after an incident, even if the "something done" has little or no relationship with the triggering incident, it doesn't take much for the knee trembling to become a kneejerk.
Tootle pip!!